Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole was the six-part Channel 5 travel series that followed Jane as she explored some of the world’s most remote destinations aboard real expedition cruise ships. It aired on Friday nights from 2 January to 6 February 2026, and you can now stream it on My5 under its new title, “Jane McDonald: Cruising”.
This guide recaps every episode, the ships Jane sailed and how you can book the same voyages.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
Jane McDonald is back, and this time she went from pole to pole
Travelling from Antarctica to the Arctic aboard ultra-luxury expedition and yacht cruises, Jane covered 15,000 miles across continents, climates and cultures. The series wasn’t just a celebration of striking scenery. It captured the contrasts of modern cruising: the silence and scale of Antarctica, the colour of South America and the familiar warmth of Mediterranean life, all seen through Jane’s honest, funny and deeply human eyes.
What makes From Pole to Pole especially interesting for cruise lovers is that these are real, bookable cruises. Filmed aboard Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, the series offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what expedition and yacht cruising is really like.
As Jane herself put it:
“We’re going to the ends of the earth to bring some spectacular places into your living rooms. Get the wine open or a cuppa ready, we’re going on an adventure.”
Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole: episode guide
| Episode | First aired | Destination | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Antarctica: The Sound of Silence | Friday 2 January 2026 | Antarctica | Scenic Eclipse |
| 2. South Georgia and the Falkland Islands | Friday 9 January 2026 | South Georgia and the Falklands | Scenic Eclipse |
| 3. Uruguay and Brazil: A World of Contrast | Friday 16 January 2026 | Uruguay and Brazil | Scenic Eclipse |
| 4. Brazil: Culture, Coastlines and Colour | Friday 23 January 2026 | Brazil | Scenic Eclipse |
| 5. Greece and Italy: La Dolce Vita | Friday 30 January 2026 | Greece and Italy | Emerald Sakara |
| 6. The Arctic: From Pole to Pole | Friday 6 February 2026 | The Arctic and Svalbard | Scenic Eclipse |
Every episode aired at 9pm on Channel 5.
Episode one: Antarctica, The Sound of Silence
Jane’s adventure began at the very bottom of the world, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Scenic Eclipse. She took a Zodiac ride around Winter Island, kayaked in freezing polar waters, tried aerial yoga on board and got up close to the wildlife. She also visited Livingston Island, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and resident elephant seals.
Before heading out on Zodiac landings or kayaking yourself, make sure you’re packed with the right gear. Our expedition cruise packing list covers exactly what to bring to Antarctica.
👉 Explore Antarctica Scenic Eclipse cruises
Episode two: South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
Jane followed in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, learning about the region’s whaling history and meeting people who live in some of the world’s most remote communities. At Fortuna Bay she was greeted by thousands of king penguins, one of the most memorable wildlife moments of the series. In Port Stanley she enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea and met the world’s most southerly military wives’ choir, before trying her hand at sheep shearing on Saunders Island.
👉 View South Georgia & Falkland Islands expeditions
Episode three: Uruguay and Brazil, A World of Contrast
The contrast between polar silence and South American energy took centre stage. Jane met the captain of Scenic Eclipse, then sampled a traditional beef barbecue in Montevideo and a wine tasting in Maldonado. In Brazil she learned traditional weaving in São Francisco do Sul and finished with a speedboat tour from Pontal do Sul, spotting wild dolphins and exploring coastal caves.
Episode four: Brazil, Culture, Coastlines and Colour
Jane’s Brazilian adventure continued with a jeep tour of Ilha Bela, kayaking through the Paraty mangroves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the Costa Verde, and a trolley bus ride around the Búzios peninsula. The episode finished with a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and its views over Rio de Janeiro.
👉 Explore Scenic Eclipse cruises in Brazil
Episode five: Greece and Italy, La Dolce Vita
Leaving South America behind, Jane boarded the luxury yacht Emerald Sakara for the Mediterranean leg. She sailed through the Corinth Canal, explored the historic streets of Gallipoli and visited Sicily, riding through Savoca (made famous by The Godfather) in a vintage three-wheeler. After a VIP boat tour around Capri and time on Emerald Sakara’s marina platform, the episode ended in Sorrento with views over the Bay of Naples and limoncello at a traditional lemon grove.
Episode six: The Arctic, From Pole to Pole
In the final episode Jane completed her 15,000-mile journey in the Arctic. She flew to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the world’s northernmost town, to join Scenic Eclipse again. She kayaked through icy fjords, saw walruses and polar bears, met the polar bear safety team and took a Zodiac to the Bråsvellbreen glacier. The journey ended on top of Alkornet Mountain, where Jane reflected on her pole-to-pole adventure.
👉 Explore Scenic Eclipse Cruises to the Arctic & Svalbard
The ships featured in Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole
One of the best things about the series is that it was filmed aboard real, bookable ships, giving viewers an authentic look at expedition and yacht cruising.
Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht
For the polar regions and South America, Jane sailed aboard Scenic Eclipse, an ultra-luxury expedition ship built for remote environments. Key features include:
- Two onboard helicopters for reaching otherwise inaccessible landscapes
- The Scenic Neptune submersible, which dives to 100 metres
- A Polar Class 6 hull, designed for ice
- Up to 228 guests (200 in Antarctica), with close to one crew member per guest
- Butler service in every suite
Emerald Sakara, luxury yacht cruising
For the Mediterranean, Jane boarded Emerald Sakara, a sleek luxury yacht designed for relaxed coastal cruising, with a marina platform at the stern for swimming and watersports. It showed how yacht cruising offers a more personal way to explore the Mediterranean’s most famous ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which channel showed Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole?
Channel 5, on Friday nights at 9pm from 2 January to 6 February 2026.
Can I still watch Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole?
Yes. The series is streaming on My5 under its new title, “Jane McDonald: Cruising”.
How many episodes were there?
Six, covering Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, Uruguay and Brazil, Brazil, Greece and Italy, and the Arctic.
Which ship did Jane McDonald sail to Antarctica?
Scenic Eclipse, which she sailed for five of the six episodes.
Can I book the same cruises Jane went on?
Yes. Scenic Eclipse sails Antarctica, South America and the Arctic, and Emerald Sakara sails the Mediterranean. Call our specialists on 020 7947 0270 for dates and prices.
Plan your expedition cruise with Paramount Cruises
If Jane’s journey has inspired you, our team can help you plan your own expedition or yacht cruise, from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean.
Browse our expedition cruises · Call our cruise experts on 020 7947 0270
